Approximately 46 percent of adults are health illiterate, meaning they find it difficult to read, comprehend and use health information. Patients' misunderstanding of health information and treatment decisions is estimated to cost the U.S. $73 billion.

During the next 30 years, the number of Americans over the age of 65 and the proportion of those individuals over 85 are expected to double, impacting the economy, employment, healthcare and social services.